MGM Mirage convoked a press release to reveal the particulars of its new Las Vegas hotel currently under development at the CityCenter, Las Vegas. The new  61-story center attraction has been named “Aria” and it is programmed to open to the public in late 2009. The $8 billion "vertical city" will occupy 66 acres on the Strip and it will be located right between the Bellagio Las Vegas and Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino. “Aria” will feature a total of 4000 rooms and suites, fitness center and spa, several swimming pools as well as a vast area for conventions, eighteen restaurants, six bars, one nightclub and a 1800 seat theater that will probably hold an Elvis inspired Cirque du Soleil show. Aria will also share some of the space chosen for the CityCenter’s $40 million public art project which will exhibit sculptures and paintings to extensive installations.

"Aria will be demonstrably different than any resort that has preceded it. Even in a city such as Las Vegas, with its extraordinary history of dynamic cutting-edge development, Aria will introduce a new generation of resort experiences." said Bill McBeath, the resort's president and COO.

Aria will also set a new precedent of sustainable growth in Las Vegas; the contemporary architecture designed and conceived by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects integrates innovative and sustainable features including a massive use of natural light as a way to reduce the energy consumption in the building. Also, the Dubai World and MGM joint venture is currently perusing the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification as its first step to become one of the largest eco friendly urban communities in the world.

 

Six other properties have a location near Aria Resort and Casino, including CityCenter’s non-gaming hotels (Vdara Condo Hotel, Spa & Residences, Mandarin Oriental and the Harmon Hotel) and the VeerTowers residential project.